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There are countless small, liberal arts universities across the country, but few are able to combine the benefits of a close-knit, suburban campus with easy access to the cultural, social and academic resources of one of the world’s great cities. Marymount University (MU) has a unique advantage for students because it is located inArlington, Virginia — just minutes from Washington, D.C. Lillian Catts ‘15, a business administration major, points out, “There’s always something new and exciting to do in D.C. And when I’m done in the city, I come back to campus where I feel very much at home. It’s the best of both worlds.” At Marymount, students don’t just learn academically, they grow holistically at the intersection of real-world experience and an inspirational college-community environment. “When you come to Marymount you are valued as a whole person, and not just for a test that you’ve scored well on or a sport that you play or your GPA. Your ideas, your dreams, your emotions — each part of you is valued. It’s areally beautiful combination that allows our graduates to go out and changethe world.” (Melissa Katella, nursing major) Students who join the Marymount family-community get the best of both worlds through the following institutional characteristics: An Academic Approach Educating the Whole Person A Marymount education combines a strong liberal arts foundation with solid career preparation. The University’s wide range of majors includes programs in the arts and sciences, business, cybersecurity, education, psychology, criminal justice, health care, information technology, and more. Marymount puts an emphasis on critical thinking, student research, and creativity through the DISCOVER Program, which offers students exciting opportunities for hands-on learning related to their academic and professional interests. Additionally, the University’s selective Honors Program provides highly-motivated students with extra challenges and enrichment through interdisciplinary study, faculty mentoring, special events on campus and around the D.C. area, and summer study abroad at Oxford University. Extensive study-abroad programs prepare students personally and professionally for life in a global society. World-Class Internships Come Standard Internships are such a critical component of a Marymount education that each student completes at least one internship for academic credit. The University’s proximity to Washington, D.C., provides an abundance of opportunities in sites like Congressional offices, the National Science Foundation, the White House, the F.B.I., Smithsonian museums, and the National Institutes of Health. Recent BBA graduate Edwin Rivera says, “My internship was with the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, just a Metro ride away from Marymount.” As a result of the available resources within the D.C. metropolitan region, many students end up making career connections that lead to job opportunities after graduation. Student Life Led by Servant Leadership Campus life at Marymount offers something for everyone — leadership opportunities as well as social, recreational, spiritual and culturally enriching programs. A spirit of service is at the heart of the athletics, student government, and more than 40 student organizations that make MU’s campus a truly vibrant community. There are clubs for just about every interest from those related to majors, like the Cybersecurity Society and the Fashion Club, to the Blue Harmony singing group and the International Club, which draws participants from all cultures and backgrounds. Service to others is an important component of all Marymount activities, and Marymount clubs and teams carry out service projects throughout the year. During Orientation, freshmen are introduced to community service at Volunteer Service Day. Service is also emphasized across the curriculum through service learning projects in the D.C. region and abroad. Diverse Athletics that Educate On and Off the Field Marymount fields 17 NCAA Division III teams in the sports of baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, volleyball, cross country, and golf. Marymount is also the first university in the nation to establish a fully supported varsity triathlon program for men and women. José Gil-Figuero, a senior majoring in health sciences, says: “Playing lacrosse at the collegiate level was something I really wanted to do. Beyond the competition, it’s about the respect and bonding that you develop with other team members and the coach.” David Huson, a recent BBA graduate, adds, “Being a student-athlete taught me responsibility and time management, two critical skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.” See For Yourself Visit Marymount! Experience the engagement and excitement on campus first hand. Contact Marymount’s Admissions office to schedule a visit. Call (703) 284-1500 or e-mail admissions@marymount.edu. To learn more about Marymount, visit www.marymount.edu.

In 2016, St. Petersburg College (SPC) received the Governor's Higher Education Leadership Award for producing graduates who earn the highest entry-level wages among Florida’s state colleges. In addition, SPC alumni ranked first in the state of Florida and fifth in the United States, among two-year colleges, for possessing the most valuable job skills, according to the nonprofit Metropolitan Policy Program at the highly respected Brookings Institution. “Our number one goal at St. Petersburg College is helping improve our students’ lives, and increasing earning power is a surefire way to do that,” said SPC President Bill Law. These distinctions set SPC graduates apart and are a reflection of the College’s initiatives that focus on setting students up for success. SPC’s “Start Smart – Finish Strong” approach begins with an orientation that gives new students all the tools and resources they need to start their college journey. Discussions about career goals start on day one, so students begin with a clearly defined path to get them to their goals. Recently, St. Petersburg College launched 10 Career and Academic Communities, designed to provide students with a cohort of peers with similar academic interests and certified Career Development Facilitators who specialize in specific academic areas. Students then receive clear-cut directions on the sequence of courses they should take through SPC’s Career and Academic Pathways. This eliminates confusion with course selections and provides a clear pathway to strong career options. Students can also gain industry-recognized certifications and academic certificates that are embedded in their program, so they can begin building their résumé, or even working, right away. Jack A. Crooks, who is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, said his customized pathway took the guesswork out of the timing and sequencing of his courses. “Being able to see the full scope of my degree requirements in one easy-to-use tool makes it much easier for me to schedule my classes and balance my workload,” Crooks said. “It’s really given me the foundation to complete my program and earn my degree.” As part of their degree program, students at SPC also participate in active learning, which translates to top skills sought by employers. “The informatics certificate program I took was really awesome,” said Sarah Rawdon, who earned her Health Services Administration Bachelor of Applied Science degree. “SPC really helped me with time management, and the curriculum was always relevant to industry needs.” St. Petersburg College works closely with business partners in the Tampa Bay area to align programs with workforce needs, so graduates are prepared to compete for high-wage jobs. Industry leader Tech Data has hired dozens of SPC graduates over the past few years, and many have already seen multiple promotions, according to Angie Beltz McCourt, Vice President, Cisco Solutions Group at Tech Data. “I would absolutely recommend St. Pete College as a great place to start,” Beltz said. “St. Pete College is always looking for ways to make it as beneficial as possible for the students to be able to get a degree and get the education they need to be successful out in the workplace.” Officials with Monin, an international company headquartered in Clearwater that manufactures syrups used in coffee shops and restaurants around the world, said they see SPC students gaining the skills their business needs to continue to thrive. “St. Pete College has come up with some great programs and training that cover all the supply chain trades,” said Monin VP of Supply Chain Management Jonathan Jones. “For me, if somebody’s got one o f those qualifications and I’m looking for somebody in that area, I definitely think they’ll have a step up.” SPC is also a smart choice for students who don’t want to be saddled with debt after college. With tuition that is 53 percent lower than the average of state universities and millions of dollars in scholarships awarded each year, SPC students spend far less for a quality education. Graduates say that St. Petersburg College gives them the knowledge and hands-on skills to be successful in their careers. “SPC will always be special to me because it was a turning point in my life,” said Rayford Dennis, who earned his Associate in Science in Human Services and Associate in Arts at St. Petersburg College. “It was the foundation upon which I built my career, and it gave me all the necessary tools to succeed with the transformation of my life.” #TampaCollegeFair

Find your future at the University of South Florida (USF). USF recently ranked 7th on Sierra magazine’s list of “America’s Coolest Schools”, and U.S. News & World Report lists USF in the top 40 most diverse public universities in the U.S. At USF, nearly two in five freshmen represent populations historically underrepresented in higher education both in Florida and nationally. This creates a culturally diverse environment where students reap the intellectual and educational benefits of an inclusive campus community in one of the nation’s most desirable cities. As one of the nation’s top public research universities, USF creates a dynamic learning environment where students work side-by-side with world-class scholars and researchers preparing students to address the real problems facing today’s world. A broad-based undergraduate liberal arts curriculum solidifies USF’s reputation for academic excellence. USF offers more than 228 degree programs, a strong Honors College, an extensive study-abroad and internship program and even Exploratory Programs for the 25 percent of freshmen who aren’t ready to select a major. Honors College students also can choose from a variety of accelerated degree programs, including a seven-year medical program; five-year programs to complete a combined bachelor’s and master’s in engineering sciences or public health; and the Provost’s Scholars Program that allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in just three years. USF’s graduate program in entrepreneurship, which is ranked 11th in the nation by The Princeton Review and Entre­preneur Magazine, is extending the curriculum to undergraduate business majors. Student academic success is the primary focus at USF, which is reflected in everything from the classroom, to the student center, to the residence halls. The accessible residential campus provides a welcoming atmosphere for students from all over the world. That is why, in an effort to maintain student success at the University, freshmen admitted to USF are encouraged to live on campus. USF knows students who reside on campus tend to graduate on time, nationally earn higher grades and develop a greater sense of connection to the University. Ensuring students’ academic success begins with the admission process. USF closely examines students’ grade trend throughout high school as well as the rigor of students’ high school curriculum, considering the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, AICE and Dual Enrollment courses. Grade trends and rigor of curriculum are considered alongside grade point average and SAT and ACT scores during the review process. After Class While the academic rigor of USF’s curriculum prepares students for a lifetime of success, it’s often the experiences outside the classroom that stay with students long after graduation. USF students live and learn in top-notch facilities, including new residence halls, a Greek Village for fraternities and sororities, state-of-the-art campus recreation and student centers, and new and renovated academic buildings and laboratories. When they’re not participating in events on campus, USF students can take advantage of the museums, concerts, theatres and art galleries in Tampa, as well as their close proximity to Gulf Coast beaches, Busch Gardens and historic Ybor City. USF’s residential campus boasts more than 600 student organizations and an American Athletic Conference affiliation, not to mention 25 fraternities and 23 sororities that provide ample opportunities for students to explore varied interests and get involved in a growing campus community. Global perspectives, undergraduate research and academic and social variety are all at one of the nation’s top research universities in the heart of Tampa Bay, a vibrant Gulf Coast community boasting countless cultural opportunities, some of the top rated beaches in the nation and world-renowned theme parks. Your future truly does start at the University of South Florida! #TampaCollegeFair

Many high school graduates desire to become registered nurses (RNs) but worry about committing to a college nursing program. West Penn Hospital’s School of Nursing offers an exceptional RN diploma program that prepares entering students for their first clinical experiences in just a few weeks and prepares graduates to take the national RN licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) in just 22 months. The West Penn program’s early clinical experiences help students confirm their choice sooner of a nursing career, and graduates who do desire a BSN degree can earn an RN’s salary while completing an RN-to-BSN program, usually with tuition assistance from their employer. West Penn Hospital’s School of Nursing building offers welcoming, modern facilities for education and dormitory living, including the STAR (simulation) Center — a “virtual hospital” — where students learn and practice all types of inpatient and outpatient assessment and care skills. West Penn Hospital School of Nursing faculty support learning and promote professionalism through activities such as participation in the Student Nurse Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP). They also conduct nursing education research and model evidence-based practice principles. West Penn Hospital, the main site for School of Nursing students’ medical-surgical and numerous specialty care experiences, is the first hospital in the region to be awarded Magnet Recognition® status for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center — and the first to earn Magnet® redesignation. West Penn Hospital School of Nursing offers financial aid and daycare on-site and is the only Pittsburgh diploma school with on-site housing. Prepare for the career of a lifetime. Call: 1-877-33NURSE; e-mail: sonadmissions@wpahs.org; or visit www.ahn.org/education/west-penn-hospital-school-nursing.

By John Pettit Priscilla Farlow of Hamden suffered a serious fall that led to a facial injury. With no health insurance, she thought she had nowhere to turn. “When you don’t have insurance and you don’t have money, it’s a tough position to be in,” she said. “You figure, ‘There is nothing I can do about it. I’ll just let the injury go, and if it gets worse, it gets worse.’” Luckily, Farlow was referred to Community Access Imaging, Quinnipiac’s free diagnostic imaging program. “Quinnipiac took me, even when they knew I had nothing,” she said. The program is the brainchild of Dr. Ramon Gonzalez, director of the radiologist assistant program at Quinnipiac. It is funded by the University and the Seedlings Foundation of Branford, Connecticut, which supports programs that tend to the physical and mental health of children and families and foster an educated and engaged citizenship. Gonzalez and a dedicated team of students, faculty and staff from the School of Health Sciences’ sonography, radiologic sciences and physician assistant programs, along with students from the University’s Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, offer free medical services including ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, X-rays and bone density tests. About 400 patients from the Greater New Haven area have taken advantage of the program since its inception 1½ years ago. Diagnostic imaging is done on Fridays at the Center for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The team has diagnosed conditions such as cerebral aneurysm; lung, thyroid, ovarian, and renal tumors; and congenital, skeletal and neurological malformations. “They come for all kinds of pathology — from head-to-toe,” said Gonzalez, adding that patients must be referred from the Fair Haven Community Health Center in New Haven or Project Access, a partnership of physicians, hospitals and community organizations that work together to provide donated specialty health care for low-income, uninsured individuals in the Greater New Haven area. “Most of our patients are undocumented people with no insurance,” Gonzalez said. The program has a Spanish translator, and clients also are offered free services from the School of Law’s Legal Clinic. Gonzalez would like to add a social services component. The program benefits students as well as patients. “What they have learned most is that these are real people,” he said. “There is so much you can do with technology, but that’s just the smallest part and the easiest part. Interaction with the patients is the most important part. No matter what you do — whether you are a physician assistant student or medical student — if the patient doesn’t trust you or connect with you, it doesn’t matter what tests we do.” Kathryn Scionti ’15, a diagnostic imaging major, said volunteering with the program has taught her not to take her healthcare for granted. “It’s nice to know you are giving back to the community,” Scionti said. “These people can’t just walk into the doctor’s office when they are sick. Most of the patients we see have problems because they’ve gone their whole life without getting medical care.” Patricia Landino ’11 has a degree in diagnostic imaging and works doing CT scans at Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Saint Raphael Campus. She is enrolled in Quinnipiac’s radiologist assistant program and participates in the free diagnostic imaging program. “We are the first step toward helping them,” Landino explained. “It’s a very rewarding experience to be able to contribute to their health care.” Farlow is certainly appreciative. “There are a lot of people without insurance who are struggling,” she said. “Quinnipiac is doing a very important service. I’m so thankful, I could kiss all the doctors and nurses.” John Pettit is Assistant Director of Public Relations at Quinnipiac University #TampaCollegeFair

Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ School of Film, Photography and Digital Media offers hands-on training in the media arts from a team of expert faculty. Courses are taught in filmmaking, photography, video production, digital media and the history and theory of all of those forms. Pittsburgh Filmmakers has more than 40 years of experience in fostering, educating and training artists. A key strength in the School’s success is its faculty — filmmakers and photographers whose work has been exhibited in festivals and galleries nationally and internationally. Students can apply to one of the School’s eight-month full immersion Intensive programs (Filmmaking or Photography), or they can enroll in individual college-level production classes. These classes all aim to help students develop a strong aesthetic, analytical, and technical foundation on which they can build as they become working artists and professionals. The Filmmaking Intensive The Filmmaking Intensive, an accelerated professional program designed to develop the creative talents of aspiring filmmakers in all aspects of film and video production, runs each year from September to April. Building on Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ expertise and experience training filmmakers and digital artists, the program prepares students for careers in a variety of positions within the industry. From the very first class a hands-on approach helps students to discover their own unique, artistic voices. The Filmmaking Intensive is built around a core curriculum of hands-on production classes that teach current technologies. These classes give students closely supervised experience in professional practices and procedures. The program also includes courses in film history, screenwriting and business, providing students with a detailed knowledge of the field. Throughout the Filmmaking Intensive, students serve as crew members on each other’s films, gaining valuable experience in a variety of roles. By graduation, students will have a public theatrical screening of their work, along with a full filmmaking portfolio. “The Filmmaking Intensive was a perfect blend of classroom instruction and real-world application. The courses didn’t just make us competent; they gave us voices as filmmakers. Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ community of faculty, staff and students is unparalleled. I gained a lifetime’s worth of knowledge and experience in less than a year.” —Tom Fisher, Filmmaking Intensive graduate The Photography Intensive The Photography Intensive is a full immersion education that develops the creative talents of aspiring photographers through its focus on shooting, editorial and studio lighting practices, and the business of photography. Students also learn the basics of design and digital video to ensure a balanced education in multimedia production skills. All classes are taught by working photographers — prolific artists and professionals who teach from experience. Running from September to April, students can expect to receive a full education in just two semesters. They work on a variety of documentary and commercial projects from conception to completion, and they create imagery for both print and Web content. Students collaborate creatively, while at the same time forming their individual identity as photographers. Upon completing the program, students graduate with a diploma and a comprehensive portfolio of their work, which includes a personal Web site. They also publicly exhibit their photography in Pittsburgh Filmmakers Galleries. Graduates will be prepared to launch a career in photography. “Expect to work. Hard. But the program really represents a conversation on our progress as photographers. We’ve covered a great deal of ground influenced by our own feedback and questions. It genuinely feels like each instructor in this program is wholly committed to seeing us succeed.” —Laura Wetzel, Photography Intensive student The Apprenticeship Program After graduation from either the Filmmaking or the Photography Intensive, Pittsburgh Filmmakers offers the Apprenticeship Program, an optional, no-cost career guidance program. It includes internship placement, interview coaching, portfolio review, job references, networking events, and a one-year, full-access membership to Pittsburgh Filmmakers facilities and equipment. Not to mention free enrollment in a limited number of additional, ongoing classes for up to two years. It’s the perfect way to jumpstart a career in filmmaking or photography. For more information about the Intensive programs at Pittsburgh Filmmakers, or to register for one of Filmmakers’ upcoming spring Open Houses, visit pfm.edu.

I am 1st Lt. John Tosti, a combat engineer officer with the 103rd Engineer Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Philadelphia, Pa. I have been with the unit for about four years. I attended Penn State University and majored in Kinesiology before joining the Guard. I also have a civilian job at a physical therapy practice. I joined the Guard because about five years after I graduated from college, I decided that my life was missing something. Although I truly enjoy my job in physical therapy, I wanted to help make a difference in my local community and in the world. I also felt that my life could use a little more excitement and adventure. I did some research and realized the Guard would fill those voids in my life. Also, serving in the Guard would teach me valuable leadership and job skills and assist me with paying off some of the student loans I had accumulated while attending Penn State. The other thing that made the Guard an attractive option for me was that joining the Guard only requires me to serve part-time — I could join the Guard and not disrupt my current career path and goals. I joined the Guard and attended basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. At basic training, I qualified for an accelerated Officer Candidate School program that the Army offered. I accepted the offer to attend OCS and then attended training at Camp Fretterd, Md., and Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. I was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon completion of OCS. At that point, I decided to make the combat engineer field my Army career path. Engineering interested me and I thought I could potentially enhance my career outside of the Guard. I attended the Army Engineer Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mich., to become qualified as an Army engineering officer. I graduated EBOLC and was assigned my first leadership role as a platoon leader with the 103rd Eng. Bn. As a platoon leader, I was responsible for the health and welfare of 50 Guard Soldiers. I was able to positively affect the lives of my fellow platoon members in this role, including assisting one of the first female Soldiers from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in getting into a combat training school. I also trained with my platoon to help the community during natural disasters. I was also able to assist some of my platoon members to attend higher education courses and gain employment. In September 2015, my platoon was also fortunate enough to be called upon to support the pope’s visit to Philadelphia. The pope was there to participate in the World Meeting of Families. This was a momentous event for the city and a personal honor for me to be a part of. My platoon’s task during the visit was to assist with security for the WMF. We were responsible to ensure that vehicular and pedestrian traffic flowed properly and that all participants were safe and secure while in our area. We also assisted participants who were lost or had questions on their way to the festivities. I worked long hours during this mission but found it extremely fun and rewarding. I was later given another opportunity to help make a difference in my community. This time, the Guard asked me to serve in a teacher/mentor role for high school students in Pa. I accepted the job and became the program director of the PA Guard’s Science Technology, Engineering, and Math program and their Student Leadership Development Program. These classes are part of the PA Guard’s High School Enrichment Programs. They are offered to any Pennsylvania high school and technical college free of charge. My responsibility as program manager is to teach these presentations in the classroom. This work is very rewarding because I am able to interact with students and mentor them on topics such as critical thinking and problem solving, leadership, and STEM-related challenges. My overall experience in the Guard has been very good. The Guard has allowed me to help people in my community and make a difference in the world. I have also been given the opportunity to attend excellent leadership skill training courses, received money to help pay off my college loans, and I receive a paycheck for my part-time service. I recommend that anyone who is interested in the Guard reach out and get more information by going to nationalguard.com/PA.

Grove City College is building a strong and faithful future for its students with a unique curriculum that aims to both educate and enlighten young people as they determine their professional and personal calling. At the nationally ranked liberal arts and sciences college, students grow intellectually and spiritually through a rich academic tradition in a Christ-centered community of learners. Grove City College is more than just a school, it’s a community dedicated to faith and learning that cares about students and challenges them to excel in the classroom and the world at large. The College provides students with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to compete in the marketplace and a strong spiritual foundation that will enable them not only to do well, but to do good. While the quality of education at Grove City College is unsurpassed, the price tag is most decidedly not. Tuition is less than half the cost of competitive, private liberal arts colleges. A Rich Academic Tradition Established in 1876, Grove City College quickly grew into a leading institution of higher learning and a staunch defender of faith and academic freedom. The College has long championed the Western intellectual tradition, free market economics and an independent spirit. The College’s extraordinary faculty are dedicated to educating hearts and minds. They are teachers, mentors and friends to students ready to be challenged and informed. Grove City College is a place where high academic standards produce outstanding outcomes for graduates well-prepared to pursue their life’s calling. Grove City College offers more than 60 programs of study across a number of disciplines. A 13:1 student–faculty ratio ensures personalized attention from professors and the College’s 78 percent four-year graduation rate is 20 points higher than the national average. Grove City College’s academic quality is a key reason it is consistently listed as one of the nation’s best colleges by Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and others. An Amazing Value In an era where students routinely rack up tens of thousands of dollars in debt to secure a degree, Grove City College’s goal is to keep higher education affordable while maintaining academic excellence in a Christ-centered community. Tuition is less than half the cost of the national average of other private liberal arts colleges and the lowest of all of Pennsylvania’s private colleges and universities. Grove City keeps tuition low by practicing the fiscal discipline that it preaches. The College operates on a very tight budget with very little debt. It doesn’t follow the lead of other colleges by offering tuition discounts to some students while forcing other students to subsidize those incentives. As a matter of principle, the College does not accept federal funds, including student loans. That independence means Grove City doesn’t spend money complying with government regulations and is able to dedicate more resources to in-house financial aid and providing access to private loans. Grove City College earns top marks as “Best Value” school from PayScale, Forbes, Money and others based on the return on investment alumni realize. Most students graduate on time and many with little or no debt. Within six months of graduation, 97 percent of the most-recent class were either working or in graduate school. Alumni see higher starting salaries and mid-career earnings nearly 20 percent higher than the national average, numbers that earned Grove City College a place on Princeton Review’s “College that Pays You Back” list. A Christ-Centered Community The connection between faith and learning is central at Grove City College. Its faculty are Christian scholars who understand their disciplines as deeply and as well as they understand humankind’s place in God’s creation. Christian truth and inspired wisdom form the foundation on which its faculty teach and the worldview that the institution embraces. That is not a limiting principle, but a liberating one. Faith illuminates knowledge, puts education into an immutable context and enriches the human condition. Students join a strong spiritual community at Grove City College, where students from all traditions are welcomed and encouraged to think about what they believe and live their faith, as they choose and as fully as possible. Through twice-weekly Chapel services, student ministries, Christian organizations and late-night residence hall discussions, the campus community serves to reinforce and expand a student’s faith. Grove City College is ranked as one of the country’s top five Christian Colleges by Christian Universities Online and Christian Colleges of Distinction.

When Megan Kunst chose Edinboro University (EU), she had no idea that Edinboro’s commitment to hands-on learning and student–faculty collaboration, along with her passion for art, math and science, would lead to a national research award, experience in cutting-edge forensic facial reconstruction and bright career prospects. As a member of EU’s Honors Program, which offers opportunities to excel through classwork, study abroad, student–faculty research and civic engagement, Kunst conducted a range of projects alongside faculty scholars. In 2015, her Visual Arts research earned first place at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in Denver. The project explored linear perspective in art through the application of mathematical formulas, merging the disparate disciplines of fine arts and mathematics. In addition to the opportunity to compete against academically talented peers nationwide, Kunst gained hands-on experience in her field and built lasting professional relationships with her faculty mentors. “I could not have asked for more supportive and generous professors,” Kunst said. “I was fortunate to find a group of other students and faculty that became my Edinboro family.” Edinboro undergraduates in fine arts, anthropology, chemistry, biology, physics, psychology and many other fields work closely with faculty and fellow students on important research into food safety, cancer treatment, social media behavior, educational best practices and many other topics. As one of the first student scholars of Edinboro University’s Institute for Forensic Sciences, Kunst worked closely with three faculty members on a major research project involving models of a human skull made with a 3D printer in an EU technology lab. The skulls were created using scans provided by the Smithsonian Institution. Utilizing advanced techniques to create an approximation of a person’s face based on skeletal features and knowledge of anatomy, osteology and physical anthropology, her research is contributing to a best-practices protocol for forensic artists to use in the identification of human remains. Kunst presented her fascinating forensic work to legislators in Harrisburg as part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Advocacy Days in April 2016, and again at the 2016 National Collegiate Honors Conference in Seattle. “I became aware of forensic facial reconstruction during an anatomy drawing class, and it sounded like a fascinating way to integrate my passion for art with my love of science,” she said. “I also like that facial reconstruction may allow me to, in the future, use art to help people find closure and give names to the unidentified deceased.” Launched in 2015, the Edinboro University Institute for Forensic Sciences brings together forensic activities and related academic programs in a broad range of disciplines. Its purpose is to integrate these areas of knowledge, promote faculty research, and create increased opportunities for students like Kunst to engage in community forensic projects. An active citizen of the University community, Kunst served as president of several student organizations, co-managing editor of the Chimera Art and Literary Journal and a member of EU’s Drawing and Painting Club. Before graduating Summa Cum Laude in December with dual bachelor’s degrees in Studio Arts and Art Education, Kunst capped her Edinboro journey with a teach-abroad opportunity in Ireland, spending 10 days sharing her passion for art with students in grades 7-12. The life-enriching experience allowed her to compare cultural differences between Irish and American students using a lesson plan she had executed in a previous placement in the U.S. “Being an honors student has encouraged me to look at things in an interdisciplinary way.” Kunst said. “I gained a great foundation of skills that I am very thankful for, and because of that foundation I feel very confident about my future in the classroom,” Open to majors from all academic disciplines, the Honors Program seeks to provide students with the individualized attention and opportunity for extraordinary experiences that they need to truly excel as scholars. Students qualify for admission to the program based on academic achievement, test scores, class rank and teacher recommendations. Honors students enjoy preferential scheduling, dedicated Living-Learning Floors, extended library privileges and scholarships. While every student’s path is unique, Megan Kunst’s exceptional success demonstrates the unique combination of high-quality opportunities inside and outside the classroom that are the hallmarks of the Edinboro experience. For more information about Edinboro University, visit www.edinboro.edu, email admissions@edinboro.edu or call the Admissions Office at (814) 732-2761 or 1-888-8GO-BORO (888-846-2676). Choose excellence, opportunity and affordability. Choose Edinboro.

The programs outlined below are available to those who enroll in or are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Some programs may also be available to a veteran’s spouse or dependent children. The Yellow Ribbon Program The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, also known simply as the Yellow Ribbon Program, is a provision of the Post–9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. This program is designed to help veterans afford tuition at a college or university whose tuition and fee expenses exceed the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate (the normal amount paid under the Post–9/11 GI Bill). By entering into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a participating institution can contribute a specified dollar amount of those additional expenses and the VA will contribute a matching amount not to exceed 50 percent of the difference. To be eligible for benefits under the Yellow Ribbon Program an individual must have served an aggregate period of active duty, after September 11, 2001, of at least 36 months. Benefits are payable for training/enrollment pursued on or after August 1, 2009. Eligible veterans should note that participating colleges and universities choose the amount of tuition and fees that they will contribute as well as the number of slots available. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested military personnel should visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill or the school in which they are interested for more information. Post–9/11 GI Bill This is an education benefit for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Personnel who wish to take advantage of this program must have served at least 90 aggregate days of active duty after September 11, 2001, still be on active duty, or honorably discharged or released. Personnel currently receiving benefits under another military education assistance program may elect to enroll in the Post–9/11 GI Bill but will no longer be eligible for the benefits offered by the previous program. Under the Post–9/11 GI Bill the individual would be eligible to receive the cost of tuition and fees not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education, a monthly housing allowance, and a maximum books and supplies allowance of $1,000. Recipients may receive up to 36 months of entitlement. Eligible individuals should also be aware that if you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009 you may be able to transfer your benefits to a spouse or dependent child. Interested military personnel should visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill for more information. Military Loan Repayment Some students who borrow from one or more of the Federal Loan Programs (Perkins, Stafford, etc.) may have some or all of their loans repaid by the Department of Defense, depending on the specialty enlisted in, and the length of the enlistment. Full-time military personnel can qualify to have their loans repaid by the military at the rate of one-third of the loan for each year of full-time duty served (maximum loan repayment is $65,000). Each branch of the military sets its own maximum amount. Individuals interested in the various Military College Loan Repayment Programs are advised to check with their recruiter or visit www.todaysmilitary.com for more information. ROTC The Air Force, Army, and Navy all have scholarship programs to help students who are interested in becoming officers in the service after graduation. Scholarships are awarded to entering college freshmen based on their high school grades, SAT scores, activities, etc. Scholarships are also awarded to college sophomores and juniors based on their performance in the ROTC program and grades in college. These scholarships pay for tuition, fees, books and laboratory expenses. In addition, scholarship holders receive $300–$500 per month during the 10 months of the school year depending on the recipient’s level in the ROTC curriculum. Members of ROTC units who are not scholarship holders receive a monthly allowance for the last two years of college. Of course, all students who are commissioned through ROTC programs must agree to spend a stipulated length of time in the service. For more detailed information, students should contact the recruiting office of the service in which they are interested. Persons enlisting in the Air Force can take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by The Community College of the Air Force, as well as the Air Force’s 100 percent tuition assistance programs. #financialaid #studentaid #MoneyforCollege #yellowribbonprogram #post911Bill #militaryloanrepayment #ROTC

When your last high school prom is over and you’re counting down the days till graduation, thoughts of freedom and plans for a fun-filled summer are just around the corner. Before you know it, you’ll be loading up your belongings in the family minivan and heading off to college. You’re so ready, right? Well, maybe not. Here are some tips for things to do before you head off to college. 1. Downsize, Get Organized and Learn How to Do Your Own Laundry. You’re not going to be able to take your whole closet and every cherished belonging with you to the dorm. Start downsizing now and make a list of all the things you’ll need to take with you. A clean and tidy space will make things a lot more manageable. Most likely you’ll go home a time or two on break and you can swap out things that you don’t need for things that you do. But, in between those trips home, you’ll need to learn how to do laundry. Those whites can turn into some interesting colors and transform into a smaller size if you don’t know your way around a washer and dryer. 2. Understand Your Financial Situation. Each family’s situation is different— make sure you understand what your family may or may not be able to contribute. If you have not applied for financial aid you need to complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ASAP! Make sure you list on the application the school code of the college you plan to attend so your information is sent to that school. If you still haven’t decided, it’s best to list any school you think you may attend. The financial aid office will then notify you of any financial aid you might be eligible for. Know what each of those types of aid is and in what order you should accept them. Visit StudentAid.gov for information on planning and paying for college. Do you have enough money to pay for school? Will you need to work part-time? Make a budget and know what you can spend on certain things. 3. Get a Good Calendar and Prepare for a Whole New World of Time Management. One of the biggest challenges for a lot of you will be time management. When you head off to college, you won’t have somebody there to wake you up, make you breakfast and send you out the door in clean clothes with completed homework in hand. Set yourself up early with a class schedule (make a course syllabus your new best friend) and a system that works for you. You need to know deadlines for registration, papers, financial aid, coursework and everything in between. Your chance of succeeding academically will rapidly evaporate if you don’t manage your time well. You’re worth the investment — manage it well. 4. Craft a Good Résumé and Learn How to Network. No, don’t wait until you’re approaching college graduation to write a cover letter and résumé, you need one now. Having a compelling and professional résumé and cover letter is vital to applying for part-time jobs, internships, etc. You might want to also consider changing your email address. Employers probably won’t be impressed with an email address like justheretoparty@XXmail.com. Work experience can be just as important as good grades when looking for jobs after college graduation. Internships not only provide you with knowledgeable experiences in your field, but they also provide great networking opportunities. Don’t settle in and nest, put yourself out there and go to as many networking events as possible. 5. Embrace Coupons and Master the Art of a Good Deal. Another difficult thing to learn is skipping those unnecessary splurges. Yes, I know it’s all about YOLO but you need to embrace BOGO. Coupons aren’t just for stay at home moms anymore. Scoring deals, whether in newspapers, magazines or with online sites like Groupon and Living Social is easier than ever. But don’t get so caught up in the deals that you buy vouchers for things you end up not using. That can cost rather than save you money. Save those splurges for when you score a great “Buy One Get One” free or other greatly discounted offer. Ask about student discounts and if available, a student advantage card. Get into the habit before you head off to school and there should be a little more money in your pocket when you get to campus. Another great way to save money is buying used textbooks rather than new. Search sites like bigwords.com, Amazon, and TextbooksRUs to name a few. If you buy new and then resell them back to the college bookstore, check online sites first for what they’re worth. College bookstore buy back rates are sometimes as low as 10 percent of what you paid for it new. Lots of students are also renting textbooks on sites like chegg.com. 6. Learn How to Keep You and Your Things Safe. Yes, you need to remember to lock your dorm room and place that lock on your laptop. Losing your laptop can wreak havoc on your studies and a theft due to an unlocked door can also ruin your relationship with your roommate. Start practicing being more aware of your surroundings and keeping yourself safe. Program your school’s campus security number into your phone. You never know when you might need it. Safety also applies to protecting your social security number, usernames and passwords. Your social security number is one of the main identifiers when checking on things like financial aid, grades, and registering for classes. Make sure all your passwords and important numbers are not on a post-it-note on your desk. Store them in a secure place. Not protecting your identity and important information can have lasting long-term effects on your ability to get a job and apply for credit. Congratulations on a job well done and making the decision to advance your education! Adapted from: 6 Things you Need to Do Before Leaving for College. Homeroom, The Official blog of the U.S. Department of Education. www.ed.gov